CHARADE The mask I wear of this Charade Is nothing but a false facade That covers authenticity The Me no one must ever see I wear the mask when I go out It covers up my fear and doubt It hides the bareness of my face With paint and powder in its place I wear a mask of courtesy And reasonable civility I do not speak the way I feel My true self I do not reveal And so I hide myself away To never know the light of day Thus no one knows the Me inside Behind the mask where I must hide And no one hears my silent cries Or sees the tears behind dry eyes Or knows that I am so afraid Or of the plans that I have made Impracticality of schemes The visions, and my foolish dreams All of the hopes yet to fulfill Now locked away, by force of will Until someone may find the key Unlock the door, and finally Reveal the hidden mystery Of my heart, and of Me. Poetry